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Norfolk Southern reports fourth quarter and full year 2024 results

In This Article:

Met commitments for second-half and full-year 2024 operating ratio

Productivity initiatives drive results with additional opportunity in 2025

ATLANTA, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) announced Wednesday its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results. For the quarter, revenue was $3.0 billion, income from railway operations was $1.1 billion, operating ratio was 62.6%, and diluted earnings per share were $3.23. For full-year 2024, revenue was $12.1 billion, income from railway operations was $4.1 billion, operating ratio was 66.4%, and diluted earnings per share were $11.57.

Norfolk Southern Corp
Norfolk Southern Corp

After adjusting the results to exclude the impact of railway line sales, the Eastern Ohio incident, restructuring and other charges, as well as shareholder advisory costs, fourth quarter income from railway operations was $1.1 billion, the operating ratio was 64.9%, and diluted earnings per share were $3.04. Excluding the same items, as well as a deferred income tax benefit, full-year income from railway operations was $4.1 billion, operating ratio was 65.8%, and diluted earnings per share were $11.85.

For the third consecutive quarter, insurance recoveries related to the Eastern Ohio incident exceeded incremental costs.

"We closed 2024 with another quarter of solid performance, building on the success of Q3. Our network is running fast; our terminals are more efficient; and service metrics are steady. Our customers are noticing and rewarding us with more business," said President and CEO Mark George. "I applaud all the employees of Norfolk Southern for what we are achieving together. We are seeing momentum in all areas from consistently prioritizing safety, productivity, and operational excellence. We are well-positioned to build on our success and drive long-term value for all our stakeholders."

Fourth Quarter Summary

  • Railway operating revenues of $3.0 billion, down $49 million, or 2%, compared to the fourth quarter 2023.

  • Income from railway operations was $1.1 billion, an increase of $323 million, or 40%, compared to fourth quarter 2023.

  • Operating ratio in the quarter was 62.6% compared to 73.7% in fourth quarter 2023.

  • Diluted earnings per share were $3.23, an increase of 39% compared to fourth quarter 2023.

Full Year Summary

  • Railway operating revenues of $12.1 billion, down $33 million, compared to full year 2023.

  • Income from railway operations was $4.1 billion, an increase of $1.2 billion, or 43%, compared to full year 2023.

  • Operating ratio in 2024 was 66.4%, an improvement of 1,010 basis points, compared to 76.5% in 2023.

  • Diluted earnings per share were $11.57, an increase of 44% compared to 2023.